20 Amazingly Unique Restaurants in Australia

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Australia’s food scene is nothing short of epic. From fresh seafood by the beach in Sydney to outback dinners under a starry sky, this place has dining experiences you won’t forget. Known for its fresh ingredients and creative flavors, Australia serves up everything from indigenous-inspired dishes to drool-worthy international eats.

Think slurping oysters at St. Peter in Sydney, enjoying a fancy meal in a South Australian vineyard at d’Arenberg Cube, or trying bush tucker with a modern twist at Orana in Adelaide. Each spot brings bold flavors and vibes that are totally unique.

In this guide, I’m sharing 20 restaurants that prove why Australia’s dining game is next-level. Whether you’re a foodie or just love good eats, these spots will blow your mind (and taste buds).

👉 Pro Tip: The Social Yarra Valley Winery Tour is a total vibe! You’ll hit up some of the best wineries, sip amazing local wines, and soak in those dreamy vineyard views. It’s super chill and a great way to meet cool people while tasting your way through the Yarra Valley. Don’t forget your camera and a solid appetite for wine – it’s going to be a day to remember!

Unique Restaurants in Australia: 20 Incredible Australian Eateries

From eating among the treetops to dining by the sea, each spot tells its own story of flavor and adventure. Let’s explore these one-of-a-kind places where food meets imagination.

1. Attica

• 📍 Location: Ripponlea, Melbourne
• 💲 Price range: $300 – $500+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian / Indigenous Ingredients Focus
• 🔥 Standout Features: Native Australian ingredients, multi-course tasting menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie splurges, modern Australian cuisine, and special occasions.

Prepare for a culinary journey into the heart of Australia at Attica! This world-renowned Melbourne restaurant, helmed by Chef Ben Shewry, offers an innovative and deeply personal exploration of modern Australian cuisine, with a profound respect for native ingredients.

The multi-course tasting menu is an ever-evolving story. Expect dishes like salted red kangaroo with quandong, delicate preparations of native fruits and herbs like finger lime or lemon myrtle, or unique seafood like marron. Attica is an exceptional fine dining experience.

2. NOMAD Sydney

The energy at NOMAD Sydney grabs you as soon as you step in. This modern eatery champions local produce with a Mediterranean twist, and their open kitchen adds a front-row seat to all the action. I’m talking handmade charcuterie, wood-fired flatbreads, and their famous roasted Jerusalem artichoke with truffle honey – get it for the table, trust me. The industrial-chic décor balances polished concrete with mood lighting and leafy greens. It’s stylish but unpretentious. NOMAD is sandwiched between funky boutique shops and the packed bars of Surry Hills, so plan a post-dinner crawl. Honestly, the truffle honey alone makes this a Sydney must, but the entire vibe is unforgettable.

3. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

• 📍 Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person (Varies with experience package)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Australian Cafe Fare / Buffet (Koala Breakfast)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining near koalas and other native animals, family-friendly.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Koala lovers, families, unique animal encounters, and zoo visitors.

Get ready for a g’day with furry friends at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo! They offer unique dining experiences like “Breakfast with the Koalas,” where you enjoy a meal near these iconic Australian marsupials. It’s a brekkie that’s un-bear-ably cute!

Enjoy a buffet-style Australian breakfast including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and fresh fruit. Other cafe fare like sandwiches or pastries might be available depending on the experience. Dining here is a fantastic way to combine a meal with an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

4. Shobosho

Shobosho in Adelaide absolutely nails Asian fusion with a Japanese soul. The showstopper here is their robata grill – you’ll catch the chefs working fiery magic over open coals in the heart of the restaurant. Do not skip the chicken yakitori or the melt-in-your-mouth smoked lamb shoulder bao, which are both pure perfection. Dim lighting and wooden accents lend a cozy, almost clandestine charm, and counter seating by the grill feels like a chef’s table experience. You’re only a stone’s throw from vibrant Peel Street bars, making dinner here the ultimate launchpad. I’m still dreaming about their kimchi butter too – slather it on anything.

5. Gerard’s Bistro

• 📍 Location: Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $120+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Middle Eastern / Mediterranean Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed chef (Adam Wolfers), focus on wood-fired cooking and fermented ingredients, creative share plates, stylish laneway setting, excellent wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies seeking innovative Middle Eastern flavors, sharing adventurous plates, special occasion dinners, wine lovers, and experiencing Fortitude Valley’s best.

Prepare for a culinary journey through the modern Middle East at Gerard’s Bistro. Tucked away in Fortitude Valley, this acclaimed restaurant, under the guidance of talented chefs, consistently delivers innovative and flavorful dishes inspired by Levantine and Mediterranean traditions, with a strong focus on wood-fired cooking and fermentation.

The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging a convivial dining experience. You should definitely try their incredible house-made breads with unique dips. Expect creative preparations of local seafood kissed by fire, flavorful slow-cooked lamb dishes, or inventive vegetable plates that sing with spice.

6. Vue de monde

This Melbourne legend sits 55 floors above the city in the Rialto, and every detail is dialed up to eleven. Vue de monde is all about modern Australian fine dining with playful, innovative touches. Kangaroo tartare? Fermented fennel bread? Bring it on. The multi-course tasting menu will surprise you at every turn and the sweeping panoramic city views just make it even more jaw-dropping. Table settings are refreshingly minimal, letting the food and views shine. My tip: try for a sunset reservation and spend a few minutes on their rooftop terrace before you sit. I was blown away by how good chocolate can taste with local wattleseed – one bite and you’ll get it.

7. Fervor

• 📍 Location: Pop-up locations across Western Australia
• 💲 Price range: $150 – $300+ per person (Exclusive Pop-Up Dining)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: West Australian / Indigenous Ingredients / Degustation
• 🔥 Standout Features: Pop-up dining in remote WA locations, native West Australian ingredients, outdoor dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Food adventurers, foraged foods, supporting Indigenous culture, and experiencing WA’s landscape through food.

Dine with the spirit of the land with Fervor, a unique pop-up dining experience across stunning, remote locations in Western Australia. It’s an immersive journey into the landscape and culinary heritage of WA, with a huge emphasis on native and foraged ingredients.

Chef Paul Iskov creates incredible degustation menus. You might taste quandong (native peach) glazed kangaroo, wattleseed damper cooked over open fire, or local seafood like marron seasoned with saltbush and lemon myrtle. Fervor offers a deeply connected culinary adventure.

8. Firedoor Restaurant

If you have a borderline obsession with fire-cooked food, Firedoor in Surry Hills is your pilgrimage spot. There’s no gas or electricity in this kitchen – every single thing is cooked over custom-built wood-fired grills or hearths. The rotating menu highlights whatever’s best that week, but their 200-day dry-aged steak is cult-level, and the grilled Murray cod basically falls apart on your fork. The space is all about exposed brick, hanging utensils, and a soundtrack of crackling embers. Reserve in advance, especially if you want a seat near the open kitchen (it’s mesmerizing). Walk off your meal at nearby Harmony Park or hit up the local bars. Honestly, I left smelling faintly of smoke and grinning ear-to-ear.

9. Dinner in the Sky

• 📍 Location: Pop-up locations across Australia & New Zealand (Tables based in Tasmania)
• 💲 Price range: Varies greatly (Public events often $300-$700+ AUD per person; Private hire from $50,000 AUD)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fine Dining / Modern Australian (Highly Customizable by event/chef)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining 50 meters in the air, panoramic views, gourmet food/wine determined by presenting partner.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Thrill-seeking diners, special occasions, extreme dining, and once-in-a-lifetime events.

Take your dining to new heights with Dinner in the Sky! It’s an extraordinary pop-up event where a dining table is suspended 50 meters in the air, offering unparalleled views and an adrenaline rush. It’s a high-class meal, literally!

The food is high-quality, often featuring local ingredients prepared by wonderful chefs. Depending on the event, expect dishes like seared scallops with truffle oil, tender beef fillet with a red wine jus, or an elegant chocolate lava cake. The exact menu is tailored.

10. Hop Temple

Hop Temple is Ballarat’s answer to epic craft beer halls – tucked down a laneway and buzzing with laid-back energy. There’s a rotating wall of local beers (start with a tasting paddle), killer burgers, and even vegan comfort food that slaps. The best part? The eclectic vibe – vintage church pews, festoon lights strung overhead, and occasional live music sessions that have the whole place grooving. Family-friendly by day, party den by night. It’s just around the corner from Ballarat’s historic Art Gallery, so you can do a culture binge before or after. I loved the share platters – perfect with a big crew or even for solo snacking.

11. Eureka 89

• 📍 Location: Eureka Tower, Melbourne
• 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person (Degustation/Set Menus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: 360-degree Melbourne views, elegant atmosphere, degustation/set menus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: View seekers, fine dining, romantic occasions, and sky-high Melbourne dining.

Dine above the clouds at Eureka 89, on the 89th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Eureka Tower. This sophisticated restaurant offers an unparalleled fine dining experience with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city. It’s Melbourne, laid out like a glittering carpet below!

Indulge in exquisite Modern Australian degustation menus. Expect dishes like perfectly cooked Victorian lamb with seasonal vegetables, delicate seafood creations such as kingfish sashimi, or artful desserts featuring native fruits. Eureka 89 is a truly elevated destination.

12. The Pantry Manly

Beachfront dining rarely feels this chill. The Pantry Manly literally sits on the sand, set inside a cute historic beach pavilion with wall-to-wall ocean views. The menu spotlights fresh Aussie seafood and Mediterranean comfort food – don’t even think about leaving without sampling the blue swimmer crab linguine or their fish tacos. The vibe is breezy, sun-washed, and just a bit old-school – all timber and marine details with a soundtrack of the waves outside. It’s meters from Manly’s famed promenade, so cap off lunch with a long shore stroll. Best part? I found myself people-watching in the sun, Aperol spritz in hand, just loving life.

13. Quay

• 📍 Location: The Rocks, Sydney (Overseas Passenger Terminal)
• 💲 Price range: $250 – $400+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian Fine Dining / Nature-Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Sydney Harbour views (Opera House/Harbour Bridge), Chef Peter Gilmore cuisine, organic-inspired decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fine dining splurges, Chef Peter Gilmore fans, and experiencing world-class culinary artistry.

Experience culinary perfection with iconic views at Quay. This globally acclaimed restaurant, helmed by Chef Peter Gilmore, offers an extraordinary fine dining experience overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. It’s a symphony of sights and savors.

The tasting menu is a breathtaking exploration of textures and rare ingredients. Dishes like the delicate oyster intervention (oysters with cultured cream and sea botanicals), hand-dived scallops with unique pairings, or the famous snow egg (though this evolves) showcase incredible artistry.

14. KOI Dessert Bar

Sweet tooths, clear your schedule. KOI Dessert Bar in Chippendale takes desserts to theater-level heights. Brainchild of MasterChef’s Reynold Poernomo, this place serves up mind-bending pastries and layered treats almost too artsy to eat – almost. The “Moss” cake and their Strawberry Pillow are both fan favorites (and 100 percent Instagram-bait). Downstairs, catch the glass-walled kitchen in action; upstairs, the lounge is moody and sexy, with velvet booths for lingering over dessert cocktails. Spice Alley, Sydney’s Asian hawker haven, is right next door, so you can double up on dinner and sweets. My verdict? Absolute heaven. I left determined to replicate their matcha mousse at home and epically failed – so I’m coming back for more.

15. Govinda’s Restaurant & Movie Room

• 📍 Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Buffet + Movie option)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegetarian Indian Buffet
• 🔥 Standout Features: All-you-can-eat vegetarian Indian buffet, combo with a movie room (reclining seats!), spiritual ambiance.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegetarian/vegan diners, Indian food lovers, budget-friendly all-you-can-eat, and movie nights.

Dinner and a movie, with a spiritual twist! Govinda’s Restaurant & Movie Room offers a unique experience: a delicious all-you-can-eat vegetarian Indian buffet followed by a film in their cozy, cushion-filled movie room. It’s karma, comfort, and cinema!

Load up your plate with flavorful vegetarian Indian dishes. Expect creamy dals, fragrant vegetable curries like palak paneer or aloo gobi, fresh salads, and fluffy rice and pappadums. Then, kick back and enjoy a movie.

16. Antep Mangal

Hidden gem alert: Antep Mangal in Perth is a smoky, bustling slice of Turkey operated by a family that knows its kebabs. Everything revolves around their massive charcoal grill, and lamb shish or the Adana kebab here is the real deal – juicy, charred, and packed with flavor. Flatbreads come hot and pillowy, perfect for scooping up smoky baba ganoush. The atmosphere is lively and casual, with small tables full of laughter and clinking glasses – everyone seems like a regular, and the staff treat you as if you’re one too. I still crave their smoky eggplant salad on random Tuesdays – it’s that good.

17. Freycinet Marine Farm

• 📍 Location: Coles Bay, Tasmania (On the Freycinet Peninsula)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $50 per person (Fresh Seafood/Oysters)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fresh Local Seafood / Oyster Farm Gate
• 🔥 Standout Features: Farm-fresh oysters and mussels, beautiful Freycinet Peninsula setting, outdoor “shack” ambiance, sustainable aquaculture.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster fanatics, seafood lovers, Freycinet National Park visitors, and casual waterside diners.

It doesn’t get fresher than Freycinet Marine Farm, on the beautiful Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania! It offers an incredible opportunity to savor oysters, mussels, and other seafood harvested directly from their own farm. It’s tide-to-table deliciousness!

Slurping down incredibly fresh, briny Pacific oysters by the dozen is essential. Enjoying a pot of steaming local mussels in white wine and garlic, or trying their simple yet delicious grilled salmon or scallop skewers, is also highly recommended.

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18. Mjølner

Melbourne and Sydney both have a Mjølner, and both are pure Viking fantasy. You feel it the second you see the axes on the wall and the goblets on your table. The menu is hearty and primal with a luxe twist – highlights include the roast bone marrow and their signature lamb shoulder (served with a spike, because why not?). Drinks come in ornate horns or chalices, and the bartenders mix mean Nordic-inspired cocktails, heavy on local spirits. The ambience is moody and immersive, all dark wood, flickering candlelight, and Game-of-Thrones-meets-cocktail-bar energy. Both locations are a stumble from other late-night haunts, if you even want to leave. The best part? Picking out which Viking weapon to eat with – it’s silly, dramatic, and ridiculously fun.

19. Sunda Dining

• 📍 Location: Melbourne CBD (Punch Lane)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $130+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Southeast Asian / Australian Fusion
• 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed chef (Khanh Nguyen), innovative fusion of Southeast Asian flavors (Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian) with Australian ingredients, stylish industrial-chic decor, creative cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous foodies, fans of bold Asian fusion, special occasion dinners, trendy CBD dining, and experiencing unique flavor combinations.

Prepare for an electrifying fusion of Southeast Asian flavors and modern Australian culinary artistry at Sunda Dining. Tucked away in Punch Lane, this acclaimed restaurant, helmed by talented chefs, delivers a sophisticated and exciting dining experience. It’s a vibrant collision of cultures on a plate!

The menu encourages sharing and exploration. Try the signature rotiwith Vegemite curry dip – a playful and delicious Aussie-Asian combo. Other highlights include unique seafood dishes with native spices and flavorful noodle dishes.

20. The Singapore House

• 📍 Location: Frewville, Adelaide
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southeast Asian (Singaporean/Malaysian/Thai/Indonesian)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Colonial-style building, diverse SE Asian cuisines, elegant yet relaxed setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Southeast Asian food, Singaporean/Malaysian cuisine, and elegant casual dining.

Take a delicious trip through Southeast Asia at The Singapore House! Housed in a beautiful colonial-style building, this restaurant offers a fragrant and flavorful journey across the cuisines of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It’s a passport to spice!

Explore a diverse menu. Rich beef rendang from Malaysia is a standout. Aromatic Singaporean chili crab (when available), tangy Thai green curry with chicken or prawns, or savory Indonesian nasi goreng are also excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Australia

In our FAQ section, we answer your top questions using insights from our Australia restaurant guide, helping you discover the best spots to eat.

What are some famous places to eat at in Australia?

Australia is home to many famous eateries. From the bustling lanes of Melbourne to the scenic shores of Sydney, you’ll find Australia’s best restaurants. These places offer everything from fresh seafood to innovative fusion dishes. Notable mentions include Quay in Sydney for its stunning harbor views and inventive cuisine, and Attica in Melbourne, known for its unique approach to Australian ingredients.

What food is unique to Sydney?

Sydney’s food scene is vibrant and diverse. One unique dish to this city is the Sydney rock oyster, celebrated for its sweet, rich flavor. Another standout is the Australian barramundi, often served grilled in Sydney’s seafood restaurants. These dishes reflect Sydney’s love for fresh, local produce and its coastal lifestyle.

What food is Australia known for?

Australia is famous for its barbecue culture, including grilled meats and seafood. Iconic Australian foods include Vegemite, a savory spread; meat pies; and Lamingtons, sponge cakes coated in chocolate and coconut. The country also has a strong coffee culture, with flat whites and long blacks being popular choices.

Where can I find cheap eats in Australia?

Cheap eats in Australia are easy to find in city food courts, local markets, and street food stalls. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney offer a wide range of options, from Vietnamese pho to Italian pizza. Many coastal towns have fish and chip shops serving fresh seafood at great prices. Look for happy hour deals and lunch specials for the best value.

How can I experience fine dining in Australia?

Fine dining in Australia is a celebration of local ingredients and culinary innovation. Top chefs in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane create exquisite dishes in elegant settings. For a memorable experience, book a table at restaurants like Quay in Sydney or Attica in Melbourne. These establishments offer degustation menus that showcase the best of Australian cuisine.

What themed restaurants in Australia offer unique dining experiences?

Themed restaurants in Australia provide fun and unique dining experiences, uncovering hidden gems in Australia. From the jungle-themed Rainforest Cafe in Sydney to the prison cell booths of Melbourne’s Lockdown, there’s something for everyone. For movie buffs, Govindas in Sydney combines vegetarian dining with a boutique cinema. These themed restaurants add an extra layer of excitement to dining out.

Are there any Australian dishes I must try while visiting?

While visiting Australia, you must try dishes like the Aussie barbecue, featuring grilled meats and seafood. Don’t miss out on tasting a classic meat pie, often filled with beef and gravy. For dessert, enjoy a Pavlova, a meringue cake topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. These dishes offer a taste of Australia’s culinary diversity.

Where can I find the best seafood in Australia?

Australia’s coastline offers some of the best seafood in the world, making it one of the top places to live. Cities like Sydney, with its famous Fish Market, and Hobart, known for its fresh Tasmanian salmon, are must-visit spots. Coastal towns across the country serve up everything from fish and chips to gourmet seafood platters. For the freshest catch, head to seaside restaurants or local fish markets.

How do I discover hidden culinary gems in Australia?

Discovering hidden culinary gems in Australia involves exploring beyond the main tourist areas, uncovering Oceania’s charm. Local food blogs and social media pages are great resources for finding these spots. Farmers’ markets and food festivals also offer a taste of local cuisine and artisan products. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their recommendations. Often, the best dining experiences come from places tucked away in alleyways, suburbs, or coastal enclaves, serving dishes with a strong sense of place and tradition.

What are the best vegetarian options in Australia?

Australia offers a wide range of vegetarian options, reflecting its multicultural society and the growing demand for plant-based cuisine. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney are known for their diverse vegetarian restaurants, from Indian and Middle Eastern to modern Australian, making them two of the top places to live and visit in Australia. Cheap eats in Australia often include vegetarian-friendly dishes such as falafel wraps, veggie burgers, and Asian stir-fries. For a unique experience, Govindas in Sydney combines delicious vegetarian fare with a movie, making it a popular choice among both locals and visitors.

Final Thoughts On Unique Australian Restaurants

We hope our journey through some of the most unique dining spots has sparked your appetite for adventure, showcasing Australia’s beauty. From the heights of Dinner in the Sky to the cozy, butterfly-filled corners of The Butterfly Room, each restaurant brings something special to the table. Our Australia restaurant guide is just the beginning.

There’s a whole world of flavors waiting for you to explore across this vibrant country, inviting you to fly to Australia and indulge in its culinary delights. Whether you’re after the freshest seafood, the zestiest flavors, or the most Instagram-worthy settings, Australia’s culinary scene has it all. So, grab your fork and let’s dive in – your next great meal could be just around the corner.